|
Historical Artist - Frans Hals (1580 - 1666)
Frans Hals was a Dutch painter during the Dutch Golden Age. Frans Hals was born in Antwerp but
raised and lived in Haarlem for most of his life. His mentors were Adam Van Noort and Van
Mander. Frans Hals's most famous work is the Laughing Cavalier, a portrait that is slightly
impressionistic. Frans Hals’ later works are darker and calmer.
Frans Hals was born in 1580 in Antwerp. In 1585 his family moved to Haarlem in the Northern Low
Countries, where he lived the remainder of his life. It wasn't until he was 27 that Frans Hals
became a member of the Sint-Lucasgilde. He took painting lessons from Flemish painter Karel van
Mander The earliest known example of Frans Hals' art is the 1611, Jacobus Zaffius. His
'breakthrough' came in 1616, with the life-size group portrait, The Banquet of the Officers
of the St George Militia Company.
Although Frans Hals' work was in demand throughout his life, he experienced financial
difficulties. In addition to painting, he worked as an art dealer and restorer. His creditors
took him to court several times, and to settle his debt with a baker in 1652 he sold his
belongings. At a time when the Dutch nation fought for independence, Frans Hals appeared in the
ranks of its military guilds. He was also a member of the Chamber of Rhetoric, and in 1644
chairman of the Painters Corporation at Haarlem.
It is not known whether Frans Hals ever painted landscapes, still lifes or narrative pieces,
but it is unlikely. Many artists in the 17th century in Holland opted to specialise, and Frans
Hals also appears to have been a pure portrait specialist. Frans Hals died in Haarlem in 1666
and was buried in the city's St. Bavo Church.
Contemporary Dutch Artists
Art Galleries in the Netherlands
|
